Ad Continum
The Berlinetta Boxers debut in 1973 until 1984 and had three versions, starting w/ 365GT4 BB, 512 BB, and 512 BBi and they can be broadly divided into earlier two models carb'd and the last model in injection form. The general trend was more,...more HP, more torque, more luxury, more ease of drivability (???), and more weight. When I was searching for my BB, I came across this car magazine (Japanese) that featured the whole BBs from various angles. One of the section had this pro driver test drive the three BBs back to back for comparisons. I would like to paraphrase his comments, impressions, and "feelings" here for better understandings of the three BBs. The driver stated that he did have earlier driving experiences on separate occasions, but this was his first chance to test all three in successions under same conditions and settings. First the 365 BB,...lightest and most powerful,...the power feel is direct. This is a car to be driven in higher revs to be enjoyed. From the standpoint of published HP, he compared it to F355 which is more "controlled" and refined driving feel and "easy" to drive. Meanwhile, 365 BB did not give much thoughts to driving ease, putting more emphasis to power, resulting in much more "hot character". The best part is the responsiveness and directness of the car from midrange to top end. Being the lightest among the three, combined w/ direct steering feel, fat XWX Michelin tires in a situation of steering going around corners, allow drifting w/ all the fun tagged along. Just a pure pleasure to drive. Even tho it is a "big" car, handling is nimble in conjunction w/ the power feel, is the biggest advantage of 365 BB. His conclusion, he liked this the best. What about the second in line 512 BB ? In short, his comment was that it is as if you made the 365 BB a little "milder" overall. Hp increased, but resulted in less "sharpness". Increased weight made it as if you pulled few teeth, tamer ? Power feel is close to the 365 BB, but not as high revving, instead relying more on increased torque to run. But still being a carb'd, the increase in power feel is still direct and a joy. Steering and suspension feel is very close to the predecessor model, but you are aware of the increase in weight, which can be said the same for the steering and clutch "heaviness". As for the final 512i model, his ride impression, based solely on it's similar appearance to 512 BB, before test drive, ...he did not think the two were that different. But behold, after driving the 512i, his comment was that they two 512s were different cars. The "roughness & hardness" in the two earlier models disappeared and this Bosch K jetronics injected 512 BBi is in a word, a GT car w/ the BB shell. Feeling was more close to Testarossas, which is good for average drivers but maybe a little sad for hardcore drivers. Suspensions much more soft resulting in more sway under braking and accelerating. In summary, the drive feels of BBs must be understood by drivers to truly enjoy these midship flat12s. His final comment touched upon the cornering sensitivity of BBs. The three are different in characters and drive feels and the driver must udnerstand the characters. The basic driving rule's important. Right before making that turn, finish braking prior to turning while still in a straight, and once you're cornerning...turn that power on and keeping that power on...control that rear slide w/ steering to make that turn. Adrenalin time. w/ smiles Jimmy